As part of the Women’s Issue of Adventure this August, we took a deep dive into the world of women’s tramping and hiking. We reached out to an inspiring and diverse group of women adventurers, from seasoned trekkers to weekend wanderers, to uncover the heart and soul of their journeys. We asked them the questions that matter: Why do they hike? Where do they go to find their solace? And with whom do they choose to share these moments of wilderness?
Their answers revealed not just the physical landscapes they traverse, but the emotional and spiritual ones as well. These stories capture the essence of connection. Each tale is a testament to the enduring power of the trail, where every step taken leads to new discoveries, both outside and within. These are their stories:
Oanita Collins – Owie
Queenstown and the Nelson/Tasman Region or anywhere as you never know where I will pop up! I love road trips!
I grew up on a farm in the Waikato with a clear attitude of ‘why walk when you can ride’!! Most of my high school years were in central Auckland and years in London made me homesick for open spaces and nature.
How many years have you been tramping?
I have always dabbled. I probably started biking, hiking or ambling with more intent around 10 years ago. Finding tracks to go with my previous dog, the legendary Ruby Tuesday, as I was working long hours and was keen to balance life for us both. Curiosity grew and so did the enjoyment levels!
In a moment of ‘life having other ideas’ something unusual was discovered at a routine womanly check in 2017. It was found in the early stages and this early detection saved my life. Dr Jim (NZ) and Dr Rohit (UK) are Superheroes in my world, alongside the surgeons, nurses and other medical staff. So if anyone reading this has been putting off their own checks or knows someone who is! Get nudging!!
With lengthy recoveries and down time, you have plenty of time to plot, plan and consider life. One thing that became crystal clear was to head out into open spaces, being lakeside, river walks and climbing hills, as they both soothe and energise me. It de-stresses me. I come home tired yet content.
Why do you tramp, what does it give you?
Hiking, tramping, ambling became a free or cheapish activity to do with or without my dog or friends. I find peace out there, the joy you see in your dogs or friends as you all begin to release the sticky parts of life and breathe. When you are heading into a new area, the feeling of not quite knowing what is coming arouses your senses, the moments when you pop out somewhere and are silently stunned at the beauty!
It pushes you physically, mentally and most importantly emotionally. It is one of those activities that pushes you! I have been lucky enough to have some special humans share their enthusiasm, time, skills and knowledge with me over the years. These have been bosses and friends, coaches and facilitators who just wanted to help. Now with online communities, it’s so easy to share knowledge.
I am certainly no expert, however I just try to commit with a yes and a smile and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
If there has been one amazing tramp that stands out in your mind – can you outline where it was and why it was so memorable?
Scotland – Ben Nevis that was an everything in one day situation
Bullendale Hut Track – Queenstown – It was a fun varied day!
Seven Sisters in the UK – It was in the middle of a heat wave, so I got clear weather! A miracle!
Milford Track – A magical mystical hike.
Nelson hikes and trails – they are super close to town.
Do you ever feel at risk or disadvantaged being a woman tramper? If so, when?
I grew up feeling that it was not safe to go out alone as a woman, especially for overnight options. In recent years I have talked myself around on this topic. It can’t be any more dangerous than walking around London or Auckland right? Plus I have travelled to quite a few gritty places around the world and had a few ‘what if’ moments! I was living in London for September 11 and had an extremely close call timings wise at the Boston bombings in 2013. You can’t let fear stop you!
I have and I am still dabbling and gently pushing myself! Next on the cards is the Routeburn and a solo overnight tramp. I am more worried about rodents and possums than my own personal safety!
How have you overcome any disadvantage?
Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to yourself when you first started tramping?
In 5 years I had 4 surgeries, each one was rather complicated and with long recovery periods, so I have had to start slow and build up each time. My last surgery was due to unexpected complications that left me with a delicate stomach which I carry a special pack for. So anyone with a health condition reading this might be inspired to get out there. Thank goodness for modern inventions because this has given me a lot more security….
Just start walking…around the house, garden, block, or take the stairs. There are plenty of free challenges, apps or programmes. Get brave and ask a friend if you can come with them. Who cares if you have to stop a lot or it takes you longer. Congratulate yourself you are out there doing it. Keep going! Keep trying! You are out there doing it.
What advice do you have for women new to hiking who might feel intimidated?
Start small, whether that is small around the block walks, or hike a trail with a friend, then return on your own. Find a local exercise group or join a free challenge. If shyness or confidence is holding you back, perhaps join a weekly walking group or exercise group to help build confidence towards exercise and or people.
Even if you go once a week! Put yourself first – it’s ok to prioritise you. It’s not selfish, it’s smart! Heck your journey might encourage someone else to make a start.
Most of all, be kind to yourself!
Can you suggest any specific hiking groups or communities to join for support and companionship?
Trailfit Nelson – Jacqui Keay is an amazing lady and facilitator. This is an awesome session to learn new skills and push yourself! You will get sweaty and dirty! Don’t be put off, there are beginner options.
Hiking with dogs New Zealand is my go to for hound friendly tracks to hit with brought in lockdown doggo Reddington Steel.
Wahine tramping and hiking facebook group is an epic source of info, tips and inspiration. This is a very supportive woman group?.
Tramping in New Zealand facebook group is another inspiring group of people connecting, sharing and learning together.
